Dream bag (nightmare pouch#2)

Dream bag or nightmare pouch. My husband has horrible nightmares from time to time as well as my daughter we have several different recipes, this one works really super well.

You will need: A drawstring bag in either lavender, white or black

about a teaspoon of the following herbs: note: you can use essential oils if you wish and also can sub in rosemary or sage for herbs you don't have or simply leave them out.

Amber for peace (yes i know a resin not an herb:)
Apple blossom for peace
Bergamot for peace and restful sleep (i've found this one hard to find until i went to k-mart and they were selling them as flowers.>.<)
Celery seed for restful sleep (spice isle at grocery store as a rule)
Chamomile for peace and restful sleep (alot of smaller grocery stores are carrying this now but if you cant find them with spices check out the tea section.
Freesia for peace
Gardenia for peace
Hyacinth for protection and peaceful sleep
Jasmine for peaceful dreams and good sleep (again, tea section, one of the stores here has jasmine tea)
Lavender for peace and sleep (i actually cant find this local to buy but the corner mini mart store has lavender bushes growing so every so often when im walking by i snag a few flowers.
Magnolia for peace
Mugwort for peaceful dreams (this one i actually found at a little store ran by some hispanic people, it was with their spices)
Narcissus for peace
Sweet pea for courage and strength
Tupli for dreams
Valerian for sleep, protection and peace (love this one, again at the hispanic ran store or you could probably find it at and alternative heath food store)
Vervain for peace and protection
Violet for peace and sleep

Set up an altar if you wish with a circle. Prop open the bag and as you add the herbs say the following:

The dreams that come to me are unpleasant and frightening
I combine together these herbs, their magic, their scent,
To chase the nightmares away,
To bring me peace, protection, and a good nights sleep
As I lay my head upon them

say this 3 times as you are adding the herbs then tie off the bag and say:

Let my dreams
and myself be at peace
I charge this magic with this task
So mote it be

Place this underneath your pillow. Eventually the herbs will get old and need replaced when the scent gets to weak. Until then this will help keep nightmares at bay.

Winter Blues...revisited..

I feel the winter blues about to bog me down again. I think I might venture out into the cold and find me some nice spring floral smelling oils to burn and take the yule decorations down. I normally love winter. Autumn and Winter were my favorite seasons but since we haven't had a heater most of the winter it's been bitter, cold and miserable, however we are finally getting it fixed this weekend thank the goddess. I don't think I could handler another week let alone a few more months of cold. I love how everyone says "Oh you're in California, its like 70 all the time..."...It's not and in fact this winter we have had more days below freezing than we have had in many many many years. (I forget how many exactly the news said.) we've had 19 days below freezing here and we usually only average about 5. It doesn't snow here but maybe every 10 years but it might as well as cold as it is:P. And even in the summer we get the extremes were it's usually around 110 most days. Anyway, got off topic there a bit but yes must find floral smells and get away from the winter blues that are chasing me.

This was posted in one of my groups and the author is unknown but there is some definite need of releasing of some negativity:P

Winds of Change

This is more of a spell to release anger and stress, but isn't that the first step to becoming more happy?

Your supplies:

A windy day

 A hill

 Basil

 Patchouli

It's not mandatory that you have a hill for this, but you 'do need an open area outside' for happiness spells like this. It 'does' need to be windy.

Take your herbs to your chosen spot, and face away from the wind (so it's blowing on your back). Toss the herbs in the air and visualize your problems being blown away. Repeat the following:

'May the winds take my pain,

Make me happy once again',

Then turn around and face the wind. Say:

May the winds bring joy to me,

So that happy my heart will be',

Stand in the wind for a few more moments, concentrating on the release of your problems and the acceptance of peace

Healing herbal incense mix

This is straight from my personal BOS. My daughter and I used this is a small Ritual in our front yard (of course accompanied but some interesting looks by my neighbor, who is cool as hell, and usually doesn't question anything:P) Because everyone has been so damn sick here the last few weeks and since winter is now upon us, weather or not the trees are showing it...grumble grumble.. I felt the need to share this.

Note: NOT for consumption. there's nothing in here that could hurt you this is all from my culinary/magickal cabinet, im very much a kitchen witch but this was made for burning in a fire place or fire proof bowl etc..

Equal parts of:
Corriander
Marjoram
Mullein
Thyme
Allspice
Cinnamon
Eucalyptus
Flaxseed
Mint
Sage
Rosemary
Spearmint
Saffron

Mix together, grind to powder if you feel the need and burn anywhere sick people have been, especially the bedroom. We started ours in the yard and carried the smoke everywhere around the outside and in. I'm working on as stick form but both will be for sale on my shop soon. but this is here in case you need to make your own:)

Winter projects

SO I'm thinking my next projects are going to be scarves with protection runes stitched in for Miss T and hubby asked me to make Bubba a blanket so I think i'm gonna put a pentacle in it with protection and calming runes in it. What do ya\ll thing. Or even possibly personal sigils. We did these as described here in Domesticwitch post.http://domesticwitch.blogspot.com/2011/06/prosperity-workshop.html. I love her blog. She was my inspiration to blog in the first place. sorry pic looks blurry but still readable imo

Lughnasadh Recipes

I really should have posted these last week but I've been feeling rather lazy and nostalgic for autumn and winter, im so not a summer spring person, I like cold and dark, lol. So I've spent most the day plopping my fat butt on the couch watching Food Network and learning some nifty new recipes. Anyway here's some recipes for the Sabbat tomorrow.

Rose Petal Wine

4-5 organic roses
1 large bottle of wine.

Remove petals from stems, gently rinse in a colander, and place in the bottom of a wine bottle. Please make sure the roses have been organically grown without any pesticides at all. Pour the wine over petals and serve.  I know not all that fancy but is really kinda neat looking. alliteratively you could make witch brew that we use on every Sabbat.

Corn Bread Sabbat cake

Okay it's no secret among my family and friends that I LOVE cornbread:)
3/4 cups sifted flour
2 1/2 tsp.. baking powder
2 tsp. sugar
3/4 tsp. salt
1 egg beaten
3 tbs. melted butter
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cup cornmeal

Grease a 9x9 pan. Sift together flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and cornmeal. Add egg, melted butter and milk. Blend by hand or with electric mixer but do not overmix. Pour batter into pan and bake @375 for 25 minutes o until top is golden brown.
I never cook my food on a super high tempt anymore as I have a tendency to burn ir and cooking things slower gives better flavor.

Beef or Lamb patties

4 lb ground beef r lamb
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1tsp. basil
1 tsp. parsley
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 small onion chopped fine
1 slice of bread soaked in 1/4 cup milk

combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Shape into 1/4 - 1/2 inch thick patties and broil for about 10 minutes on each side or grill.

Wild herb salad with vinaigrette

3-4 cups arugala leaves
12 red clover blossoms
2 sprigs rosemary
10 medium to large basil leaves rough chopped
2 purple mustard leaves or red cabbage rough chopped
10-20 mint leaves

Toss them all together in a lrge bowl and for dressings:

8 tbs olive oil
4 tbs balsamic vinegar
1 tsp minces garlic

Roasted corn on the cob (hubby's personal fav)

Fresh ears of corn
Water
Butter
Salt and pepper

Nothing really fancy here. Pull the husks down without pulling them off. Remove silk threads. Rinse corn with water. Rub with butter and salt and pepper. Replace husks twisting the ends to secure and place in the oven @400 for 25 minutes or on the grill for 25 minutes.

Berries and cream.

1/2 lb fresh strawberries
1/2 lb fresh blueberries
1/2 lb fresh raspberries if available
1/2 lb fresh blackberries
1 pint whipping cream (heavy cream)
1 tsp. sugar

Toss berries in a large bowl. Whip cream in a small bow with beaters that ave been chilled in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Whip until the cream is thick and light and forms soft peaks.

And if you're like me and are really lazy or always in a rush just get a tub of already made whipped topping, lol

Okay that's about it for this menu, hope some of you like what I've suggested.

 Brightest Blessings
         *Spiritrunner*

Lughnasadh

LAMMAS/LUGHNASADH

LAMMAS is the festival of the ripening corn and the first fruits of the year. Lammas is a Saxon word meaning 'Loaf-mass', which describes the celebration of the corn being the main ingredient for our 'daily bread' The older, Celtic name for this festival is Lughnasadh which means 'mourning for Lugh'. 
Lugh was an ancient name for The Sun God and so the name Lughnasadh sums up the feeling of this end of summer celebration. The Sun is on the wane, the sun's strength is dwindling and his energy has gone into the ripening corn. 
Like any man in sexual union, he gave his 'seed' to the Goddess who then creates a harvest. The God gives his energy and temporarily looses his virility and strength....but will recover to make love again (i.e Next spring). Through his 'sacrifice' the corn and fruits of the Earth are brought forth. 
This is the origin of the corn dollie. The last sheaf of corn was not consumed but kept back and made into a effigy to represent the spirit of the corn and the harvest, sometimes called John Barlycorn. 
The effigy was placed at the center of the feasting table and then next year when the fields are being prepared for the sowing of new crops, it was ploughed back into the soil so that the spirit of the sun and the corn did not die. Death being part of an ongoing cycle of transformation rather than an ending, is the most recurrent theme in Witchcraft and Earth religions. 

Lammas is a time of abundance and a surplus of food. The hedgerows are now yeilding wild strawberries and raspberries. Gardens are fat with blackcurrants and beans. Green turns to gold, the flowers will begin to die back and bring forth their fruits instead. It is a time for gathering and we must bear in mind the coming of Autumn and Winter ahead. It is time to begin to lay in store the things we will need mentally and physically, to get us through the dark months. 
The energy that began to rise from the earth at Imbolc, now begins it's return journey. 

Lammas feasts traditionally lasted for 30 days: 15 days before August 1st and 15 days afterwards, during which time people would come together as a community to gather in the crops, reap the corn and celebrate the bounty through feasting and drinking ( beer being also made from the grain and so sacred!). 
Can the origins of the catholic rite of eating the 'bread of life' and drinking the 'blood of christ' be just a twist on the Lammas feasting and drinking of late summer? I think it most likely! 

LAMMAS CELEBRATIONS 

The nicest way I have found to celebrate this festival of food and corn is to get together friends and loved ones, go out into the countryside and have a massive picnic! 
Take wine, take bread, take a drum or two and have a chilled and gluttonous evening . 
I always like to make a 'food altar', which is just a picture on the ground made quite literally of food. I have found that this is really great fun to do with others and gets everyone envolved. In the middle, put a piece of your 'Lammas loaf' and build outwards with patterns and spirals of different foodstuffs. Try and make it as colourfull and varied as possible, just like the Earth. 

When you have completed your food altar, then start your picnic. Do not eat any of the food altar....that is your gift to mother earth and for all her creatures to feast on after you have gone home. 
Take a large goblet for the red wine. Fill and pass it round the group and toast the summer. Make a wish and share it if you would like to. 
Before you leave, light some incense and leave it burning for the air and fire spirits, then pour your last drop of wine onto the food alter for the water elementals....and you have given somthing for all the elements which make up our earth. 

Lammas Altar 

If you can't get out in the elements, then bring some into your house. 
Decorate your table or altar with corn and grasses. If you have no corn, then bake a loaf of bread and plait it to represent the weaving of the summer energies and birthing. Light golden or dark red candles on your table to represent the waning sun. Bring in a bowl of raspberries or wild strawberries.....the colour scheme should be yellows, golds and reds.


Recipes will be posted tomorrow:)


    Brightest Blessings
               *Spiritrunner*

Understanding Nature Magic

     Nature Is everywhere and even though it sometimes seems to be sidelined by modern life, its presence is vital to our existence. Nature is always around us and has always been with us. Our ancestors lived much closer to nature, working for thousands of years in the same ways and patterns: Hunting and gathering food, making their own cloths and medicines and toiling the earth to reap a good harvest. They observed nature to enhance their understanding of the world.
     
   The return to nature
Even today in the world's busiest cities, when we look up at the stars and see the same night sky as our ancestors did, we experience the same sense of awe. A walk in the woods still calms the spirit. Modern society prides itself on its "sophistication," a word derived from the Latin "sophisticas," meaning "tampered with." Many people, however, are rediscovering their natural roots and starting to work in harmony with nature rather than conflicting with it.

    Rites and Festivals celebrating nature
Early human societies were dependent on working with nature for their survival, thus rituals and ceremonies arose to help preserve the special link. Hunters would celebrate rites in which they assumed the characteristics of the animal they sought to hunt; this helped them become one with the animal also to feel that they were part of the natural world.
 As humans settled into agricultural communities and developed more complex social structures, they still continued to observe closely the seasonal cycles. Religion, such as Christianity, eventually came to overlay their own festivals on the old rites of nature and gradually changed their meaning and significance to reflect their own belief system. Nowadays, many people are returning to the wisdom and magic of the nature religions, in order to find their own spiritual paths through modern life and its obstacles.

   
  You Key To Nature Magic


 The Moon - The moon's magic works through its cycles of dark, new, waxing, full and waning. By recognizing the link between the moon and their menstrual cycle, women can choose the best time to work magic. Gardeners often sow certain plants on the waxing or waning moon. The moon has always played a key role in humanity's need to commune with nature.

 Trees - Trees span generations while their branches, trunk and roots span heaven and earth. They have particular qualities according to their own habits and these magical associations are harnessed in the runes. Tree magic can be absorbed by hugging or sitting under a tree. Trees live very long lives and as such, play a special role in the world. Make friends with  a tree to get in touch with nature.

 The Elements - Groups of four throughout  nature, there are four seasons, four winds, four main points of the compass. Correlating  with the latter are the four elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water. In some traditions, these are seen as the foundation of the universe.

 Herbs - Herbs and flowers have been used throughout the world for thousands of years for medicinal and magical purposes, as well as in the kitchen. Nature provides remedies for all ills. Growing your own herbs helps to imbue them with your personal energies and it's a lot of fun too!

 Animals - Animals provide an essential link to the natural world by acting as spirit guides. The quality of a particular animal can reveal to us hidden qualities we possess - and by calling on the power of an animal, we can drawn into ourselves the strength of the creatures essence. This varies from animal to animal. all kinds of animals from wild to domestic, can help us connect with nature




 Metals & minerals - Metals, minerals, crystals and gemstones come out of the ground and have, in many cases, been there as long as the planet itself. They each have own distinctive vibrations which can be matched to those emitted by our own bodies, an idea embraced by crystal healers. Minerals can be single elements or compounds of elements. We can work with crystals or metals to acquire particular vibrations, this helps bring us into balance when our bodies are in some way out of natural sync. This belief has endured for thousands of years. The vibrations emitted by crystals can match sympathetic vibrations in human bodies.

Solstice decorating

Okay so after doing some research and general looking around, I've decided that I want to do paper lanterns for my main deco at my summer solstice  mini party (which basically consists of my, hubby, mini mooch, lil man, my older brother, younger sister, grandmother and my one friend that still likes to come hang out even tho i have kids :D:)

Anyway If they come out right they will look so pretty and magical and I really think the kids will get a treat out of it..
I haven't made these before but here's my idea:

about 6 or 7 smallish paper bags
White/clear Christmas lights
Black marker
and if you're like me and have no outdoor outlet, and extension cord (very old houses don't have those apparently:S)

Kind of what i have in my head but a lil different.

Okay so take your paper bags and fold about 1 inch -1 1/2 inch  at the top down, kinda like a rolled sleeve if you will.
Next find a design you like, pentacle, fern, flower something you enjoy and will make you feel at peace and happy.
Draw or stencil your design in the middle of the bag. draw it upside down because the opening of the bag will be on the bottom.
Carefully with the lights unplugged push on light through the bottom of the bag after it's been unfolded and brought where it would stand on its own, punch the light through the bottom of the bag. Do this with all the bags every so many lights with equal spaces in between.

Another design idea, This one
would probably have an opening in
the back for an led or tea light

Hang the string of lights from a tree or were ever you plant to hang them (could use a fence as well)
Plug in and enjoy.
The paper lanterns them selves will look cool and the lights in between them will be enough to have a nice summer ambiance after the Little witchlings have gone off to bed. I will definitely post pictures when I get mine done.

I probably should mention you can either color your design and leave it dark and have it a dark silhouette or cut it out for a light one and the rest of the bag would be darker.


And another Litha project that I did yesterday was:  Solstice Wreath....

All this was, was two vines from dollar tree and a wicker wreath base from dollar tree as well. Total of $3. I saw the flower when I was shopping and they just screamed at me to take them home. My yard has lost of green in it but no colorful flowers. These just brightened the yard up so much it was amazing:)

Happy place time...

I sincerly think this is one of those week were we might need to lock ourselves in the bathroom for an hour or so, maybe 3...:P

This will go along well with a nice hot hot bath and some candles and meditation:

2 cups Epsom Salt OR Dead Sea Salt
1 cup Sea Salt
1/2 cup Baking Soda
6 drops Bergamot essential oil
6 drops Sweet Orange essential oil
3 drops Lavender essential oil
Optional: 6 drops red, 4 drops yellow food coloring

Directions

1. Mix salt and baking soda together in a bowl using a metal spoon (a wooden spoon will absorb the essential oils and be ruined.)
2. Drop in the essential oils and food coloring, placing each drop in its own little spot on top of the salts. Stir until thoroughly mixed.
3. Store mixture in a dark glass or PET plastic jar. Let cure at least 24 hours before using.
4. Use about one cup of salts per bath. This bath salt recipe makes enough for three baths.

Everyone needs to pamper themselves every so often:) mayb this will help:D

Blessed Be
          *Spiritrunner*